Turning Point Chief Executive Lord Victor Adebowale today spoke
in the Second Reading debate of the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Bill
in the House of Lords.

In response to proposals in the Bill to limit the up-rating of
many types of benefit to 1%, Victor said that many people are
already struggling due to other reforms that have started to affect
them. He warned that it was unfair for vulnerable people, including
those with complex needs and those facing homelessness, to suffer
further real term cuts to their support.

Despite the exemption of disability benefits and carer's
allowance from the legislation, Victor argued that the Bill would
still affect many disabled people claiming Employment and Support
Allowance and it would also squeeze already struggling working
families.

Talking also about public attitudes to welfare spending, Victor
said that the Government had a responsibility to educate people
about this, as there is a difference between actual and perceived
amounts of money spent on unemployment support. Concerned with the
rising number of people turning to food banks, Victor suggested the
Government should respond with its advice to those who stand to be
worst affected by this Bill.